EZ Line from Berkshire Junction

[robert3985]

I'm seeing several posts referring to "fine" EZ Line from Berkshire Junction as being .003" in diameter. 

However, according to their website (http://www.berkshirejunction.com/ezline.html#modelrailroad) it comes in two diameters, "Fine" at .010" dia., and "Heavy" at .020" dia.

As of yet, I am not aware of any flexible line that approaches .003" in diameter.

If anybody's got a micrometer or dial caliper, an actual measurement would be appreciated by all.

Photo 1 - Just to put it in perspective, here's a photo of one of my kitbashed CA-1's with actual .003" 6-ought black suture silk as smokejack support wires:

[peteski]

Since EZ Line is rubbery, is it possible that the person who measured it actually squished it in the caliper jaws while the reading was taken?

[robert3985]

Since EZ Line is rubbery, is it possible that the person who measured it actually squished it in the caliper jaws while the reading was taken?

That's what I'm thinking.  But, that's squishing it quite a bit.

Since it's the only stuff that's available, I'm planning on using it for stringing my utility poles which are alongside the tracks on my U.P. Mainlines, but first, I gotta get my utility poles finished since there's nothing out there that I'm happy with as far as appearance is concerned.

[central.vermont]

Wouldn't it also get thinner as you stretched it out?

Jon

[pnolan48]

Wouldn't it also get thinner as you stretched it out?

Jon

I think that would be quite a stretch. Perhaps we all went a bit off-kilter with the thread title that included "1/2-inch," which scales to about .003. I use nylon thread that mikes out to .003. Probably not as strong as silk, but pretty darn strong, and a huge "thing" (bobbin? Spool? Beer-can sized spool?) was about $7.00 plus shipping. Unless it's wound only two or three layers deep, there's got to be a zillion yards on the "thing."

And I absolutely love the stuff! It is not stretchy, but it can be drawn taut easily. I use multiple figure 8s to reinforce junctions of masts and yardarms, and it is still unobtrusive.

[strummer]

As a guitar player who uses .010 (light gauge) on the high E string, I can say for sure that .003 must be REALLY fine!

Mark in Oregon

[robert3985]

As a guitar player who uses .010 (light gauge) on the high E string, I can say for sure that .003 must be REALLY fine!

Mark in Oregon

.003" is pretty fine.  Only a bit coarser than one RCH, the finest measurement known to man.

[peteski]

.003" is pretty fine.  Only a bit coarser than one RCH, the finest measurement known to man.

Unfortunately, RCHs are too short to be used for N scale wires. Unless, you braid them; but then they are too thick and the braids make the wire look bumpy.   

[C855B]

RCH? Rectocolite Hémorragique? 

[robert3985]

Unfortunately, RCHs are too short to be used for N scale wires. Unless, you braid them; but then they are too thick and the braids make the wire look bumpy.   

Speaking from experience Peteski????   

[pnolan48]

What is the diameter of a hair from a gnat's a$$?

[peteski]

Speaking from experience Peteski????   

Why yes Robert! 

[nkalanaga]

For those wanting very thin line, I found this one listed on a fishing site that gives actual diameters:
Sufix HercuLine Dyneema 8 lb test 0.001 inch
http://www.mels-place.com/Contents/ABCs_and_Goodies/Line_Diameters/line_diameters.htm

Whether it would be usable for modeling purposes I have no idea, as I don't fish, and don't know what the stuff looks like.

[pnolan48]

It's clear, and doesn't like knots or tight loops. It's a pain to work with, as it's very springy and takes a lot of tension to straighten--too much tension for most poles. I gave my spool to a buddy who fishes. Stretched sprue might be a better choice.

[Midniteflyer]

I use Fly Tying thread used for tying trout/salmon flies. It comes in a lot of diameters and you can buy a bobbin to hold the spools. It works nice as you have control of the thread and you can use the weight of the bobbin to hold the tread tension while CAing the thread to the poles.